Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI) will host an ‘Ask Me Anything’ event with its new executive director, Jay Shanle, on Thursday, April 30, at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Springfield.
“My day-one commitment was to build a foundation of partnership and communication,” said Shanle. “I want to reintroduce DSI to the community, share our vision and — most importantly — listen. We all know the challenges downtown faces. This event is an opportunity to talk openly and begin taking steps toward solutions.”
The two-hour session will feature a Q&A focused on new ideas, current issues and questions from the public. Shanle will outline his vision for DSI, discuss the organization’s role in the community and highlight future opportunities for downtown.
“I’m excited to meet with the public and begin this new chapter for our community’s DSI,” said Shanle. “I know how much downtown means to people across backgrounds and generations, myself included. I also know it can feel like there’s always a new plan but not enough follow-through. By coming together for a community conversation, I hope to bring more residents up to speed on downtown progress, address concerns directly and help build a community ready to take action together.”
The Ask me Anything event will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 321 S. Seventh St. on Thursday, April 30. An accessible entrance and parking lot are located in the rear of the First Presbyterian Church on Capitol Avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets.